Toyota/Lexus Recalls More Vehicles Over Airbag and Brake Problems

Earlier this year, Toyota announced they were recalling over 50,000 vehicles because of potentially defective airbags. Though the company has been heavily involved in the large Takata airbag recalls, this particular recall was implemented for different reasons.

Toyota Recalls Vehicles Due to Airbag Defect

At issue are the insulation layers over the airbag sensors. These layers can peel back over time, which can create an open circuit, exposing the sensor to the environment.

Once that happens, the sensor may trigger the airbag warning light, and the airbags—including those in the front, side, and curtain shield—may not deploy as they should in a crash. That could greatly increase the risk of driver and passenger injuries and/or fatalities.

The recall affects about 49,000 vehicles in the U.S. and another about 4,500 in Canada. Toyota has instructed consumers to contact their dealerships immediately.

Dealers will check the serial number of the airbag sensors and replace them if necessary. Consumers will not have to pay for the repair. Consumers can also call the company directly, using the number (800) 331-4331 for Toyota, and (800) 255-3987 for Lexus.

Canadian owners can call (888) 869-6828 for Toyota and (800) 265-3987 for Lexus.

Toyota Also Recalls 6,000 Vehicles for Potential Brake Problems

In April 2018, Toyota also announced a second recall of about 6,000 vehicles due to a problem that could affect the brakes.

At issue is the vacuum pump assembly, which provides braking assist. A manufacturing defect may affect one component in that assembly, which could lead to a sudden loss of braking assist. The result could be a higher risk of a crash, or of a severe crash.

Vehicles affected by this recall include:

2018 Camry

2018 Highlander

2017 Sienna

2017 Tacoma

2017 Lexus RX350

Toyota says that it will start notifying owners of this recall by first class mail in late May. Customers can call the same numbers listed above for more information.

Back in January 2018, Toyota also expanded their Takata airbag recall due to defects that could cause the airbags to explode upon deployment. The expansion included about 601,300 more vehicles, most with model years 2009-2010, though there were some 2013 models as well. Consumers were to have been notified by March 2018.

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